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Beyond Crisis Point - Seeking Support During and After an Alcohol and other Drug-Related Crisis

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

When you or someone you care about is facing a difficult time, it can be hard to know where to go for support. This can be distressing, particularly if facing a crisis situation such as thoughts of suicide or dealing with psychosis.

Jack's Story

Jack became concerned about his alcohol and drug use after he noticed changes in his mood, including depression and thoughts of suicide.

Jack felt his moods directly related to his alcohol and other drug use and wanted support to stop using. Jack spoke to his mum Louise about his concerns.
Supportive, Louise wondered how she could help. Louise then called the Parent & Family Drug Support Line, which provided emotional support and brief counselling. The service also gave her contact details for some local alcohol and other drug counselling services, so that Jack could seek support.

Jack called the Alcohol & Drug Support Line, which provided counselling and brief intervention over the phone. When Jack felt ready to see someone in person, he contacted an alcohol and other drug service.

The First Step - Remove The Immediate Risk

In a crisis situation the first step is to remove the immediate risk.If necessary, call the police or ambulance on 000.

Alcohol and Drug Support Service

For people who need support or information in relation to alcohol and other drugs, the Alcohol and Drug Support Service offers free 24/7 state-wide telephone counselling, information, referral and support.

Working Away Alcohol & Drug Support Line (for people who work away from their normal supports, such as FIFO workers) : State-wide - 1800 721 997

Alcohol and Drug Support Service Manager Stacey Child says the service offers a tailored approach.

"We can work with the person where they are at," says Stacey. "For some people this is counselling and brief intervention, for others it may be referral to an appropriate service, and some callers just want information about their options for when they are ready to take the next step."

"Our services are completely confidential and callers do not need to give their name."

Mental Health Emergency Response Line and RuralLink

The Mental Health Emergency Response Line is a free, 24 hour service that can provide assessment of people with psychiatric and / or mental health concerns.

The service can provide referral for response and treatment as well as phone counselling and support. This service can help with psychiatric emergencies and referrals for ongoing care.

RuralLink
can also be accessed by health professionals and community welfare
service providers for after-hours telephone support, information and
advice on mental health matters.

RuralLink operates from 4.30pm - 8:30am, Monday to Friday and 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Mental Health Emergency Response Line - Perth Metro - 1300 555 788

Mental Health Emergency Response Line - Peel Region - 1800 676 822

RuralLink - WA Country - 1800 552 002

Moving Forward - Seek Ongoing Support

Once the crisis situation is under control, it is important to reach out to services that can provide ongoing support. This may include alcohol and other drug support services and mental health support services.

The Mental Health Emergency Response Line and Alcohol and Drug Support Service lines can provide recommendations for support services.

The Green Book Directory of Alcohol and other Drug and Mental Health Services in Western Australia also provides contact details and information about the services available to you. Visit www.greenbook.org.au